Rafael Nadal was like a 'bull that has been locked up' when he returned to action at the Brisbane International in early 2024 according to coach, Carlos Moya as he gears up for the second part of his return after injury prevented him playing the Australian Open.
Nadal had a micro tear in his thigh which saw him withdraw from the Australian Open, but he is all set to play the Qatar Open to begin the Middle East swing in the next week and he said it was a bookend to 'months of suffering' and a version of Nadal that we all craved.
"I have seen so many things about Rafa that it is no longer a surprise, but it is true that it could not have gone well and started with more doubts," he told Punto de Break.
"It reminded me of a bull that has been locked up for a year, You just drop it in the middle and it goes like a beast. After so many months of suffering, I saw him enjoying himself again, both in training and in the games in Brisbane. That was the version of Rafa that we all wanted to see."
But can he be competitive as the comeback goes along? Carlos Moya thinks so and despite being real about his chances, he sees him being a candidate for titles again and can trouble the big names.
"Yes [he can be competitive against the top players], why not? He won the first two games well and almost beat a player who almost beat Tsitsipas in Australia the following week. That is, of a high level. I think that, after one game, I have no doubts about the level that Rafa can offer. I said he would need about 10 games to get to that 100% level," Moya continued.
"I am optimistic, but also realistic. Rafa won Roland Garros a year and a half ago. If he has not had continuity, it is because of injuries. Until the Wimbledon injury, he had a spectacular year. I don't know if he is at that level, but if injuries don't prevent him, I think he will be a candidate player for the tournaments he plays."
